A Private Affair - A.C. Arthur Page 0,32

bottle of water. She tucked her tablet under one arm and held the sketch case in her hand.

“Oh, you know I’m never getting married. But I can relate to a woman’s dream of the perfect wedding.” Probably because she’d had it once, a long time ago. Even before Walt, Riley had dreamed of what her wedding would be like. The problem with that dream was that she’d never really thought there would be a man who she wanted to marry. Blame that on the low self-esteem that had plagued her throughout her teenage years, which she’d finally overcome when she was in college. She’d taken a chance with Walt because it was a good business match and she had liked him in the beginning. The problem was marriages shouldn’t be built on “like”—or infidelity for that matter.

“Well, you’ve conveyed your thoughts to the design team and they’ve come through in spades.” RJ led the way to the door.

“They did. I’m really pleased with everything they’ve done.”

“The show’s going to be great. Rehearsals are already planned to start early next week.”

“I’ll be there,” she said as they walked down the hall, past conference rooms and mini fitting spaces, where designs could be examined and altered.

“You know, Ri, you don’t have to do everything. I feel like you’ve been trying to make up for what happened with Walt and that’s just not necessary.”

It was. Calling off the engagement had cost the company a lucrative deal with one of the world’s top clothing distributors. On top of that, her parents had been friends with Walt’s parents for a very long time. The breakup had been about more than just her and Walt. It had severed a business connection and a friendship. Right or wrong, Riley carried that guilt.

“I should have never agreed to marry him. The entire relationship was a mistake. One I plan to never make again.”

“Well, you know how I feel about relationships, so you’ll get no argument from me. But I would like to see you socializing a little more. Going to parties just to have fun instead of reeling in designers for the company. Taking more than one vacation. Sleeping in one morning because you work too many long days and nights in the first place. You know, stuff like that.”

He nudged her when he finished and grinned.

Riley smiled back while shaking her head.

“I know you’re not talking. You are the biggest workaholic of us all.” Which was true. Major and Maurice were the most relaxed of the Gold siblings, while Riley and RJ took the job, the company and their family obligations much more seriously.

He shrugged as they moved to the elevators. “You might be right about that, but I do at least take the time to go on a date here and there. You’re on this solo crusade when I think a little socializing might be good for you every now and then.”

“Wait a minute. Are you, my big brother, telling me to find a guy to sleep with?”

“Whoa. Oh no! Full stop! That is not what I said. Let’s just change the subject.”

Riley chuckled at RJ’s completely over-the-top but hilarious reaction as they stepped into the elevator.

“Yeah, I think changing the subject might be a good idea,” she said and laughed a little more.

* * *

“What’s your vision for ChatMe? Do you see yourself finding the woman of your dreams through your singles app?”

Chaz was momentarily taken off guard by the question. He hadn’t custom designed a singles app. That had not been his vision at all. And the part about finding the woman of his dreams... Just no.

“ChatMe will be a hub for a certain demographic to socialize, share their triumphs, issues, goals, etc. The app was never intended to be just about dating.” He gave the response in a smooth and relaxed tone even though on the inside he was irritated by the question.

Maybe because Riley had said something very similar last night.

“Okay, I hear you.” The interviewer’s name was Valeria and she was the owner of a popular blog and YouTube show. She was pretty and had already expressed her personal interest in him prior to requesting a formal interview.

Chaz had declined the personal invite but accepted the professional one because her blog and show had over two million subscribers.

“But you have to admit that your following in the past few years since you blew up on social media has been women. Many of whom are looking for a way to reach out